The Kenya Red Cross has cautioned that more than two million people could be affected by the El Niño rains forecast between October and December 2026, with 46 of Kenya’s 47 counties considered at risk.
Speaking during an interview, Dr Ahmed Idris described the potential impact of the weather phenomenon as significant, noting that the projected scale had influenced the country’s preparedness measures.
“We have intensified the training of our response teams by providing refresher training so that they can respond to emergencies efficiently,” Idris said.
He added that Kenya had enhanced its water rescue and search-and-rescue capabilities, with 42 boats deployed across the country to facilitate emergency response operations.
Meanwhile, Kenya Red Cross Disaster Risk Reduction Manager Peter Murgor placed the level of preparedness at between 70 and 75 per cent. He noted that both county and national contingency plans were under review, while early warning messages had already been shared with communities.
Murgor listed Garissa, Tana River, the coastal counties and parts of Western Kenya among the areas requiring heightened attention. Baringo and West Pokot were also identified as areas vulnerable to flooding.
Idris noted that preparedness efforts were being carried out in collaboration with communities and various institutions. Agencies such as the Kenya Defence Forces and National Youth Service were also being incorporated into the response plans, while resources were being mobilised in partnership with development and donor organisations.
The warning comes as authorities step up preparations to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to deal with flooding and other emergencies expected during the October-December rainy season.
In Nairobi, county authorities have prioritised the clearing of drainage systems and mitigation measures at 16 flood-prone hotspots identified across the capital. County teams have been clearing waste and widening drainage channels to improve stormwater flow.
The extent of the preparations has been highlighted at Kware Bridge, where county officials reported collecting about 1,500 truckloads of waste since April. The site continues to receive daily servicing as part of efforts to prevent flooding.
Nairobi has also developed three potential flood scenarios, including a worst-case situation that could affect more than 100,000 households. Authorities have identified rescue centres across the city and undertaken drainage works in areas such as Westlands, First Parklands, Mukuru and Kibera.
In Garissa, Governor Nathif Jama has brought together multiple stakeholders to coordinate the county’s preparations for possible flooding along the Tana River. He has also urged residents living close to the river to relocate to safer areas ahead of the anticipated rains.
